Relapse occurs when an alcoholic or drug addict starts drinking or using again after abstaining, sometimes for some time. A Relapse after finishing treatment is frequent for those with addictions, but it does not indicate that the therapy was unsuccessful. Instead, relapsing indicates the need for more therapy or a change in approach. Relapse prevention may be aided by knowing the causes of backsliding and any interventions used to counteract them.
Dependence is a chronic disease defined by compulsive drug use despite negative consequences. Over 20 percent of Americans from 12 and up are struggling with addiction or drug use problems, as determined by recent polling. Because addiction is progressive, Relapse — a return to substance misuse following abstinence — is common. About half of those who struggle with substance abuse eventually Relapse while trying to become sober. The estimated recurrence rate for drug misuse is between 40 to 60 percent, making it comparable to the Relapse rate for other chronic medical conditions, including asthma, hypertension, and diabetes.
Any time an individual who has taken efforts to quit drinking or using drugs afterward resumes those behaviors, this is known as a Relapse. This might be a discrete occurrence or an ongoing activity. The following are a few of the most often cited causes of backsliding
Sadness
Anxiety\Stress
Anger
Influence of Others
Exhaustion
Feelings of emptiness
Symptoms of detox
Somnolence
Difficulties in interpersonal relationships
Drug-related gear
Certain surroundings, sensory experiences, and odors
Relapse prevention reveals that return tends to be a long process with three separate phases, mental and physical—and begins even before the individual restarts drinking or using drugs.
At this point, the person may not be actively considering alcohol or drug use, but they are still not taking good care of themselves. They may begin to repress their feelings, withdraw from others, develop unhealthy habits, and lose sleep.
The Relapse of the MindDrug and alcohol cravings, longing for old hangouts and friends, and denial of the negative effects of substance abuse all contribute to an internal struggle known as "Relapse."
The slump in the Physical DomainAn unmanageable degree of drug and alcohol use starts at this time.
Experiencing a relapse may indicate that therapy has to be restarted or modified. Keeping up with therapy for the whole allotted time is also crucial. According to the available research, more time spent in therapy is associated with better results. Treatment plans with sufficient durations may be more effective at addressing all of an individual patient's concerns and demands.
They are typical risk factors for recurrence. Regular physical activity and a healthy, well-rounded diet may enhance sleep quality. To achieve this goal, one must create and adhere to a routine that includes regular rest periods, physical activity, and healthy nutrition. This helps lessen the likelihood of recurrence and retrains the brain to sleep better.
The cravings for alcohol or drugs that many alcoholics and addicts experience when they are hungry, angry, lonely, or exhausted are often the result of these underlying issues. Backslide may be avoided by keeping a HALT inventory regularly
Understanding oneself better is one of the primary goals of mindfulness meditation. The ability to deal with probable backslide triggers improves with increased self-awareness. According to the results of NCBI research, those in recovery who participate in a mindfulness-based backslide prevention program do better than those who do not. Those who practiced mindfulness meditation reported fewer cravings, more self-awareness, and reduced emotional reactivity, all of which contributed to their sustained abstinence. Instead of trying to suppress or ignore urges, Mindfulness meditation teaches practitioners to "roll with" them. Learning to accept the inevitable occurrence of cravings is an important step in preventing backslides.
Internal factors (emotional states like anxiety, impatience, stress, wrath, or poor self-esteem) or environmental cues such as familiar locations or people might act as triggers. The likelihood of backsliding may be decreased by keeping a list of one's internal and environmental triggers.
Regular attendance in a support group, like Alcoholism (AA) or Drug Abusers (NA), gives cover, accountability, information, and the chance to meet people who understand what you are going through. The presence of a sponsor and the encouragement of peers are both helpful in healing from addiction. It helps prevent backslides by reducing the likelihood of isolation and the emotions of loneliness that might accompany it.
Anxiety and stress may significantly slow a person's healing process. The 5-4-3-2-1 Coping Strategy is an effective grounding approach for reducing the risk of backsliding. It guides you through your five senses to help you stay in the present and away from destructive ideas like drinking or using drugs, worrying, talking negatively to yourself, or dwelling on past mistakes.
Most rehabs for substance abuse teach their patients how to avoid relapsing back into old habits and provide the tools they need to do so. One might include any number of backsliding prevention measures into their daily practice to lessen the likelihood of recurrence. A prevalent misperception is that backslide prevention techniques are only useful when someone is experiencing a desire to use them.
A person's ability to avoid recurrence once treatment has ended is partially out of their hands. Each person in recovery might benefit from self-care, getting support, being honest, following rules, and altering maladaptive behaviors to avoid backsliding. Find a good group of upbeat, encouraging friends. Do not be afraid to ask for aid while you are struggling; always tell the truth to people helping us on the path to recovery. This includes loved ones, medical professionals, therapists, peers in support groups, and sponsors. Do not miss out on your counseling or treatment appointments. Follow the doctor's orders while using any vitamins or medicine. Stay away from anything that can trigger memories of previous alcohol or drug usage. Develop the artistic side by learning a new skill, such as a musical instrument, dance, or painting